Otero County narcotics agents seize 33 pounds of marijuana

The Otero County Narcotics Enforcement Unit seized 33 pounds of marijuana from a Tularosa residence March 14, according to Sheriff Benny House.

According to Otero County Magistrate Court records, Justin Nowell, 42, Tularosa, is charged with one count of fourth degree felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, four counts of fourth-degree felony possession of a controlled substance and one count of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

His bond was set at $26,000 and he was booked into the Otero County Detention Center. He has since posted bond.

A detective from the Otero County Sheriff's Office was at a residence in the 200 block of Tulie Gate Road on an unrelated matter when he found what he believed to be "numerous marijuana plants being cultivated inside the residence," House said.

"At that time, the detective secured the residence and contacted the Otero County Narcotics Enforcement Unit to assist," House said. "Ultimately a narcotics-related search warrant was obtained for the residence."

He said narcotics agents found 33 pounds of marijuana around the house, some of it in large buckets, as well as drug paraphernalia and various prescription pills for which Nowell did not have a prescription.

Police also seized cash believed to be the proceeds from drug sales, House said.

"Nowell admitted that the marijuana was his and is for personal use," House said.

Nowell allegedly told police that he does not sell marijuana but allows people to come to his house and smoke it. He said that he does not believe he is doing anything wrong and would continue doing it, according to court records obtained by the Daily News.

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Nowell said that he sometimes accepts the prescription drugs as payment for work he does in his tattoo shop, House said.

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